Clearly Africa

29/12/2021

Appreciation is in the eye of the beholder, in other words, it is a perception. Learning to go beyond noticing and seeing more, will not only heighten your sense of awareness, distracting you from past stresses and future anxieties, but will instill a sense of gratitude and appreciation for that which is commonly overlooked.

Consider the humble frog. A loud participant but an indicator of much greater things. The croaks and ribbits you hear indicate that your garden is free of toxins, abundant in moisture, a host to native plants, trees and grasses.

17/12/2021

Each excursion is there to enable you to embark on a journey of understanding, that will unlock the marvels of nature and expose you to some of the keystone species. These are the species that have an impact far beyond what you would expect.

13/12/2021

Clearly Africa’s approach has always been to influence a change in expectations of a safari experience. The focus of our trips is to be immersed in nature, to experience the environment that we find ourselves in at its most basic level, to take the opportunity to respect how the complex fabric of our ecosystems relies on all its components for a balanced sustainable survival and in so doing, to impart an appreciation for that which goes on around us in the natural world daily. We advocate departing from a tick box experience.

12/12/2021

Let's enjoy world Soil Day.

Soil is an underrated contributor to the ecosystem that is so fragile and equally important to sustaining life, affording us the life that we see all around us.

Go out today and enjoy nature knowing that all you see is dependant on the complex combination of minerals, organic material, air, water and living organisms.

18/11/2021

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." Henry David Thoreau.

What do you see?

16/11/2021

Momentary relief from the intense heat in the Namib desert. How we wish we could have bathed then, even if one-sided. But we bathe in nature's presence and marvel at the struggle and the ability to overcome it.

10/11/2021

Mindfulness in nature opens the door to a much deeper immersion than seeking out objectives. As rewarding as pursuing and finding a specific animal might be, this, on a visceral level, ultimately leaves us wanting.

What we promote is a commitment to dedicate a few mornings/afternoons of your next adventure to nature-bathing. No objectives, no walking for exercise, no seeking wildlife or discovering something specific or capturing a particular image…just silently wandering (or sitting) in wonder…engaging with every single sense and faculty we are blessed with. The smell of the dry earth, the warmth from the sun, the taste of thirst, the depth of colours and the sound of quietness.

Go out and bathe in nature's magnificence!

04/11/2021

A journey through nature with us is about more than observing wildlife and capturing it. We aim to make you fully present through the mindful engagement of all your senses. Seeing instead of looking, feeling instead of thinking and understanding rather than assuming.

Without adopting the slowness required, nature's magnificence will be lost.

27/10/2021

"Difficulties strengthen the mind as labour does the body" - Seneca.

Our journeys are all tailormade based on the expectations and needs of our client with an acceptable level of discomfort. To truly see Africa Clearly one must allow vulnerability to her ways.

20/10/2021

Primitive Backpack Trails: the ultimate in wholesome connectedness! Accessing large tracts of Wilderness with only our feet and a backpack. Average fitness is sufficient but an above-average sense of adventure is paramount. This is our preferred mode of adventure, as it allows for complete emancipation from schedule and expectation.

Here we journeyed through the most biodiverse and topographically endowed corner of the Kruger National Park near the Mozambique and Zimbabwean frontiers.

12/10/2021

A close encounter on our recent trip to Zimbabwe. We decided to abandon the comfort of our vehicle for the benefit of flexibility whilst on foot. There is risk attached, but if managed correctly, this is reduced. We understand that these mighty beasts are allowing us into their space and so we show them the respect they deserve.

04/10/2021

Today is World Habitat Day!

A day when we acknowledge our impact on the environment as humans. Exponential population growth, rapid urbanisation and increased consumption are leaving little space for our fellow inhabitants of Earth.

We should take time out daily to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, no matter where we are. Nature is even present in a park in the busiest of cities, so we don't have to go far to appreciate those who inhabit the natural world.

30/09/2021

A little discomfort makes us realise what we should be grateful for and it helps us learn about ourselves.

28/09/2021

Most of our journeys evolve from a lengthy discussion concerning your desires and pre-safari expectations, so they may take a little longer to design. In the end, however, it’s worth the time taken to engage with one of us who will be with you throughout the experience. We will share and advise on everything from clothing, weather, travel, local conditions and potential wildlife experiences.

Head over to our website http://www.clearlyafrica.com/contact/ and start that conversation.

25/09/2021

We acknowledge the importance of a certain level of acceptable discomfort when on a journey into the bush, but when the time comes for luxury, it is appreciated immeasurably!

24/09/2021

The diversity of the people, the geography, the flora and fauna of South Africa are just some of the ingredients that have culminated in nation that is resilient in the face of adversity, with a heritage to be proud of.

Go outdoors and celebrate South Africa’s Heritage Day!

23/09/2021

Breath-taking enough to take a panoramic, it still does an injustice to Kubu Island, the only prominent rocky feature in the Makgadikgadi Pan, one of the largest salt flats in the world.

21/09/2021

Great news for Kenya! Now who wants to go see the migrations on the Great Plains?

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Kenya, Egypt and Bangladesh among countries removed from the Covid-19 red list by the UK Government; directive takes effect on Wednesday next week.

21/09/2021

Be susceptible to nature’s gifts. Even if you are in a city, walk more, look up, notice the small phenomena around you, there are an ocean of natural processes happening around you. We co-inhabit our spaces with a plethora of nature’s gifts and noticing these, will refresh the soul!

Head to our LinkedIn page and read our article about co-habitation or make your way to our website to read the full blog post.

19/09/2021

For the thrill of the open road in the bush. Rugged, fast-paced and adventurous without losing that connection to nature. Take the week ahead as an open road, discover the adventure in life.

16/09/2021

Baobabs are as much an icon of Africa as are the flat top acacia trees found in the savannah. Baobabs have been used as a shop, a prison, a house, a storage barn and a bus shelter. Africans’ innovation is almost as iconic as the Baobab!

14/09/2021

Botswana’s best kept secret, even if the secret is out, the inaccessibility of it will keep the crowds at bay.

11/09/2021

Take notice of and marvel in the commonly overlooked processes of Africa and you will find solace.

09/09/2021

There are a dizzying array of destinations and camps, both permanent and mobile, to consider when designing a classic safari in Africa.

We are steadfast in our commitment to utilising camps that are as eco-friendly, small and intimate as possible. Add to the list, those that have an ingrained philosophy of training and skilling local community employees.

07/09/2021

The traditional safari through some of Africa’s most evocative and wildlife-rich reserves, mainly with the aid of a four-wheel drive vehicle, is still exciting and provides for wonderful and varied photographic opportunities.

However, our tendency will be to steer you into selecting places and seasons that allow for maximum time alone in the wilderness. This coupled with our infectious enthusiasm for nature, our sense of humour and experience with wildlife creates a bespoke hosted excursion in the wild that cannot be eclipsed.

04/09/2021

Focusing on “Situational Awareness” we aim at recalibrating all your senses to be more sensitive and thus receptive to the subtle language uttered by nature every day. Increasing your vocabulary of this communication will reveal nature’s wells of generosity as it undoubtedly shares its bounty with you on multiple levels.

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02/09/2021

A story without a campfire holds little room for exaggeration! Maybe it’s the day’s activities, the warmth of the fire or the connectedness that brings out the most interesting stories in our guests. We love the stories we hear as much as the stories we tell.

What’s the greatest story you’ve heard around a fire?

31/08/2021

On a recent trip through Angola, we decided to take on the infamous Serra de Leba Pass in the Southwest of Angola. The breath-taking scenery is equal to the level of engineering and folklore surrounding its history. It is told that the pass is named after a Portuguese woman who designed and built it, but who died after viewing it on the day it was finished. Nevertheless, it is a postcard image of Angola and any driver’s dream road.

29/08/2021

Birding or tree spotting? Either way, taking in the surroundings and immersing oneself in the environment is a sure way to understand your surroundings!